Column: At Bryn Du show, you’re the artist, too

You’ve probably heard by now, that the 14th Annual Bryn Du Art Show is in full swing at the Bryn Du Mansion. But did you know that it’s not too late to be an “artist” who has work to exhibit this year? It’s true!

This year’s art show is not only highlighting 99 amazing pieces of art from over 80 different artists but we are also highlighting you! Over the course of this three-week event, the show has been involving its guests by helping them to create art of their own. We’ve had hundreds of community members join us at the show to participate in these varied art forms so far. We laughed, we learned, we played and we experienced! We’ve become artists!

Earlier in the month, two representatives of the Ohio Chalk Art Guild led visitors in a chalking activity and together we created a gorgeous mural. The following week, students came out to the Mansion to create a 3D, fiber-inspired installation during Granville Schools Night. And just last weekend, public of all ages joined Bryn Du Art Center Studio Director, Jenn Pentecost, in a mixed media abstract painting activity.

If that wasn’t enough, the art show has committed to displaying each of those public art-making activity creations this coming weekend in a gallery exhibit of its own! On Sunday, March 25, from 12-4 p.m., the Bryn Du Art Show collaborations will be showcased at the Eddie Wolfe Gallery inside the Bryn Du Art Center in conjunction with the Tasty Buns Craft Beer Week Gallery Hop and the Bryn Du Art Show!

Even though the Art Show is almost over, it is not too late to get in on the fun! Our last public art-making activity will be held this Saturday, March 24from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mansion.

Consider yourself formally invited to join us to experience gelatin print-making and help create a one-of-a-kind display. Participants will create gorgeous prints using a variety of materials such as leaves, flowers and other textures. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be creative and you don’t need to think of yourself as an artist to participate. This form of art is truly fun and forgiving!

The Bryn Du Art Show is sponsored in part by the Village of Granville, Granville Arts Commission, Ohio Arts Council, Explore Buckeye Lake, Explore Licking County, and Ohio Magazine. Always free, the Art Show is open until March 28 at the Bryn Du Mansion. Hours are as follows: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays – 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays 12 to 4 p.m. Find more information and a full schedule of activities, including artist demonstrations and spring break art center camp activities, at www.bryndu.com.

Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, March 24to create our last public art-making piece and again on Sunday, March 25 to see your very own art displayed in a true, gallery exhibit. We couldn’t be more proud of ALL of the artists in this year’s show!